On Thu, 10 Jul 2003 05:17:48 +0900, Daniel Carrera
<dcarrera / math.umd.edu> wrote (more or less):
>
>GPL code imposes a condition upon its use that some people don't like.
>Fine. But you are not forced to use the GPL code, hence it is not viral.
If you use it in contact with your own code [and, to be be absolutely
pedantic about it, choose not to break the GPL licensing terms] it
spreads to your own code.
Hence it is viral, in that there is an effect from contagion.
The fact that you may /choose/ to use it (i.e. GPL'ed code) in close
contact with your code it was causes the transfer is a factor in
whether it spreads or not, absolutely.
But remember, the GPL was designed to encourage the spread of the GPL.
The GPL's ability to spread in this matter is not some coincidental
irrelevance.
n.b. These points are orthogonal to 'is this a good or a bad thing?'.
i.e. they are descriptive, not normative statements.
Cheers,
Euan
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